Viewers spotted a huge problem as King Charles rounded off his trip.

17:21, Thu, Apr 30, 2026 Updated: 17:29, Thu, Apr 30, 2026

King Charles in the US

King Charles in the US (Image: X)

King Charles' US state visit ended in bizarre fashion as the Union Flag was flown upside down during the farewell event. Sky News US correspondent Mark Stone, posting on X, said: "Rather a diplomatic gaff by the Americans here. The Union flag is upside down at the Arlington Cemetery event."

The apparent gaffe is not the first flag blunder of the tour. Washington DC officials accidentally displayed 15 Australian flags alongside British and American banners in preparation for King Charles III’s visit.

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???????????????????????? Rather a diplomatic gaff by the Americans here.
The Union flag is upside down at the Arlington Cemetery event. pic.twitter.com/OyPCJy1Ot2

— Mark Stone (@Stone_SkyNews) April 30, 2026

The mix-up occurred near the White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, likely due to the visual similarities between the two flags, as both feature the Union Jack in the upper-left corner.

Social media users were quick to poke fun at the logistical oversight, though some pointed out the irony that the flags weren't technically incorrect, given that the King serves as Australia’s ceremonial head of state.

The DC Department of Transportation moved swiftly to correct the error, removing the Australian flags shortly after they were spotted.

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